How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi smartphone if you forget your password or pattern lock

What to do if Redmi is blocked

Forgetting the password or pattern lock from the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is a difficult situation, but it is solvable. The main thing is not to panic and not to try to find a combination at random: after 5-10 unsuccessful attempts, the device can lock for 24 hours or completely erase all data. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of unlocking, from the simplest (via Mi Account) to radical (complete reset via Fastboot).

It's important to understand that the methods vary in complexity, preparation requirements, and risks. For example, Recovery is suitable for most Redmi models (from Redmi Note 4 to Redmi 12), but erases all user data. While ADB unlocks files, but requires pre-activation of debugging over USB — which is unlikely if you forget the password. We will describe each option in detail so you can choose the best one.

Before you start, check:

• 🔹 Do you have access to the Mi Account linked to your phone?
• 🔹 Is the Find Device function enabled on the device)?
• 🔹 Is there a backup of important data (photos, contacts, messages)?

Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (the most secure method)

If your Redmi is tied to your Mi Account and sync is enabled on your device, this method will unlock your phone without losing data. This method works on most models, including the Redmi Note 11 Pro, Redmi 10C and older versions, the main condition is to remember the username and password from your Xiaomi account.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap the button Forgot password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
2. Select the option to Sign in via Mi Account.
3. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account, then the password.
4. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

If the buttons forgot the password?

• 🔹 Try entering any password 5 times – after that, the option of signing in via Mi Account should appear.
• 🔹 On some firmware (MIUI 13+) Hold the Emergency Call button for 10 seconds, then select the Additional settings. → Mi Account.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously disabled sync with Mi Account or reset your phone without logging out, this method will not work.

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If you do not remember the password from Mi Account, restore it on the official website account.xiaomi.com. Use the backup email or phone number specified during registration.

Method 2: Use the Find Device function

Find Device (similar to Google’s Find My Phone) allows you to remotely unlock Redmi if:

• 🔹 The device is connected to the Internet (via mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔹 In the settings enabled option Find the device (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).
• 🔹 You are logged into the same Mi Account on another device (PC, tablet, other phone).

Step-by-step:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, select the blocked Redmi.
3. Click Unlock Device (Unlock Device)
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

After that, the phone will be unlocked within 1-5 minutes, all data will be saved, but you may need to re-enter the password from Mi Account.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone has an internet connection, the unlock command will not reach, in which case connect the device to Wi-Fi via the emergency call menu (on some models this is possible via Settings). → Wi-Fi in lock mode).

Method 3: Recovery Mode (Data Loss)

If previous methods fail, it is hard to reset through Recovery Mode, which deletes all data on the phone, including photos, apps and settings, but is guaranteed to unlock the device, and is suitable for all Redmi models except those with a lock bootloader (for example, on some firmware for the Redmi K50).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: 🔹 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 🔹 For the Redmi Note 8/9/10: Loudness up + Loudness down + Nutrition.

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

Reboot to System

The phone will reboot and suggest that you configure it as new, at which point you can restore data from the backup (if it was created in the Mi Cloud).

Method 4: Unlock through ADB (only if debugging was enabled)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method allows you to reset your password without losing data, but only works if you have activated USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI → 7 taps to unlock the developer options) on your phone in advance.

What you need:

• 🔹 A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 🔹 USB-cable (original or high quality).
• 🔹 Knowledge of the command line (or willingness to follow instructions).

Step-by-step action:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
3. Enter the commands in order: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot

Once you restart, the phone unlocks, but you may need to reset the password. If the commands don't work, try the alternative:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 12+ This method may not work due to changes in the structure of the system files. In this case, try using Fastboot (method 5).

Method 5: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If other methods fail, the bootloader is locked through Fastboot, a mode that allows you to reflash your phone or reset settings at a low level, which is suitable for models with an unlocked bootloader (for example, if you previously obtained root rights). On new devices (Redmi Note 12, Redmi K60), the bootloader is locked, and it will require official permission from Xiaomi (via en.miui.com/unlock).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to Enter Fastboot.
3. Connect the device to the PC and open the command line.
4. Check the connection command: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the phone).
5. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

After the reboot, the phone will be unlocked, but all data will be deleted. If the bootloader is locked, you will need to unlock it before reset:

fastboot oem unlock

This command erases all data and resets the phone to factory settings.

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Fastboot is the most reliable way to unlock, but requires technical skills. On new Redmi models (2022 and later), the bootloader is blocked by default, and it takes up to 720 hours to unlock (according to Xiaomi rules).

What to do if nothing helps

If neither method works, there are two options:

1. Contact the Xiaomi service center. Official centers can unlock the phone on documents (passport + check for purchase), the cost of the service is from 1000 to 3000 rubles, depending on the model.
2. You need to manually refashion the phone: 🔹 Download the official firmware for your model from the Miui Download website. 🔹 Use the Mi Flash Tool for Fastboot firmware. 🔹 Unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked).

Flashing is an extreme method, because if you make a mistake, the phone can turn into a brick. If you're not sure about yourself, you should trust the professionals.

It's also worth checking out:

• 🔹 Is there an antivirus or a third-party screen blocker on the phone (such as AppLock) activated, in which case only a reset will help.
• 🔹 Is there a custom firmware installed (for example, LineageOS) that may require unique unlocking methods.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi unlocking